Dagg won't be rushed into Crusaders lineup

The Crusaders won't be rushing All Black fullback Israel Dagg back into their side for Friday night's match against the Western Force in Perth.

The Crusaders won't be rushing All Black fullback Israel Dagg back into their side for Friday night's match against the Western Force in Perth.

Dagg, who missed out on the All Blacks World Cup squad last year, played club rugby in Christchurch at the weekend having recovered from the dislocated shoulder he suffered while playing for Hawkes Bay in September.

Israel Dagg suffered a dislocated shoulder playing for Hawkes Bay in this Ranfurly Shield match in September.
Photo: Photosport

Dagg has been called into the Crusaders squad as injury replacement, with Crusaders currently in Perth on their way back from South Africa but coach Todd Blackadder has indicated Dagg is unlikely to see any game time this week.

"It's more around cover and also to get a good training week with the team and get used to all the calls and our systems again but he will definitely be an option for the Jaguars game (next week).

Todd Blackadder Photo: Photosport

Blackadder said it would be unfair to simply throw Dagg in at the deep end.

"Just to get familiar with things again and used to running lines because quite a bit gets adjusted from week to week...and to take any anxiety away. I think it would be pretty unfair to throw him in the deep end straight off the bat when he hasn't been around the team," said Blackadder.